Etiquette for birthdays in Reception

[user1471523870]

My son has just started reception and he'll be the first to turn 5 in his class. We have organized a birthday party and invited all the children (not all confirmed they will attend).
But what is the norm re: celebrating his birthday at school? Do I have to send in cake? Or Haribo bags as was requested when he was in nursery? Or nothing at all?
You can tell how all of this is new to me!

Check the school’s policy. Some schools don’t allow anything, some allow but are specific about what. As for the other parents, I wouldn’t worry too much especially if you’re also hosting a party. I’d say sending things in to school would be as an alternative to hosting a whole class party, not necessary as an as-well-as. Hope your DC has a lovely birthday x

A lot of people send in one of those big, flat, tray-bake cakes so they can be easily and quickly cut into 30 equal pieces.

Our school don't allow any sweets etc so i would check. Mine just normally wear a badge to school.

Out school didn't allow anything.
Too many issues. Nuts in cakes, non halal sweets etc

Yep, just a badge here as well, and the children sing happy birthday at the end of the day.

Our school doesn’t allow sweets but some kids take in alternatives such as a pencil or some stickers. A lot of kids don’t and you still get the odd kid that will take sweets.

Our school didn't allow cake and with allergies and dietary preferences, sweets are a minefield because you won't want to exclude anyone by sending in something with dairy or not halal etc .

I made a special packed lunch and when my kids were older and knew how many dairy free, halal sweets etc were needed, I sent in sweets.

Brilliant, thanks. It's exactly what I wanted to hear: badge only, no cake or sweets! I will check with the school but hopefully they have a no food policy for birthdays:))).
Thanks all!